The Italian side had to survive a late surge by Fener, but Lavender got her side back on track as Danielle McCray subsequently showed the necessary composure to seal the deal from the free-throw line.

Lavender finished with a wonderful 24 points and 12 rebounds, although Kathy Wambe also came up with a superbly efficient cameo of 16 points which was absolutely vital in taking Schio to a marvellous 5-1 record as they bounced back from their loss in Kosice.

There had been little to separate both clubs during most of the game, and this was still the case towards the end of the third quarter when Fenerbahce led 51-50.

But, the home side made a move early in the fourth period, and when the impressive Wambe iced a pair of free-throws to hand the hosts a double-digit lead at 67-56 with less than six minutes remaining, it looked as if Schio would waltz their way to victory.

However, a blistering 11 unanswered points from Fenerbahce then tied the game up with two minutes to play, and just when Schio needed someone to step forward to break their potentially fatal drought, Lavender obliged and the hosts held on for victory.

COACH QUOTES

"We played with passion and courage against one of the most important European basketball teams. My players worked really hard during this week to be ready to make this night great for us and our fans. All team players have given something special tonight, I want to thank everybody but we need to look forward and be ready for the next games."

Kathy Wambe, Famila Schio:

"We're so happy for this win because it is probably the most important [win] in the last two months. Fenerbahce is a top team and we have demonstrated that Famila Schio has good chances for a good final result in this Eurolegaue. Thanks to all the fans who tonight supported us for 40 minutes!"

Roberto Iniguez, Fenerbahce coach:

"We expected this tough game here in Schio. We try to push since the beginning but we shot with low percentages. Congratulations to Schio. We'll work harder for the second half of this tournament that will be the key for our [overall] EuroLeague [result]".

Angel McCoughtry, Fenerbahce:

"We lost because of we shot the ball really bad. Famila Schio is a great team but I'm sure we can do better in our upcoming games in the Turkish league and in the EuroLeague."

top performers

COACH QUOTES

"We played with passion and courage against one of the most important European basketball teams. My players worked really hard during this week to be ready to make this night great for us and our fans. All team players have given something special tonight, I want to thank everybody but we need to look forward and be ready for the next games."

Kathy Wambe, Famila Schio:

"We're so happy for this win because it is probably the most important [win] in the last two months. Fenerbahce is a top team and we have demonstrated that Famila Schio has good chances for a good final result in this Eurolegaue. Thanks to all the fans who tonight supported us for 40 minutes!"

Roberto Iniguez, Fenerbahce coach:

"We expected this tough game here in Schio. We try to push since the beginning but we shot with low percentages. Congratulations to Schio. We'll work harder for the second half of this tournament that will be the key for our [overall] EuroLeague [result]".

Angel McCoughtry, Fenerbahce:

"We lost because of we shot the ball really bad. Famila Schio is a great team but I'm sure we can do better in our upcoming games in the Turkish league and in the EuroLeague."